Japanese meaning of 待てば海路の日和あり

Reading:
まてばかいろのひよりあり (Mateba kairo no hiyori ari)

English Translation:

All things come to those who wait / Good things come to those who wait

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:


If you are patient and wait, the right opportunity will eventually come. This proverb uses the image of waiting for good weather at sea to teach the value of perseverance and hope, especially during difficult times.

Cultural Context:


Highlights the value placed on patience and trust in eventual outcomes in Japanese culture.

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

Uses the conditional form "~ば" indicating a hopeful outcome from patience.

Trap for English Speakers

Literal meaning might confuse learners; it's a metaphor for waiting for opportunities.

Example

Basic Example

苦しい時期も、待てば海路の日和ありと信じて耐えた。

He endured the hard times, trusting that all things come to those who wait.


Applied Example

嵐が去り、海が静かになる。待てば海路の日和あり、船は再び進み出した。

The storm passed and the sea calmed. Good sailing weather comes to those who wait, and the ship moved again.